Movie Review: ‘Ender’s Game’

Child-friendly?
This fast-paced space flick featuring a young protagonist will certainly appeal to many children, especially those with an interest in space or the military. Dads who love science fiction will likely recognize this title as an adaptation of a novel written in the '80s. The cosmic tale stars a lonely but talented boy, Ender, who becomes a strategic military leader. You can almost think of it as a younger, yet somehow more serious version of the recent "Star Trek" films.

There are plenty of action sequences ranging from training sessions to fight scenes to all out space battles. The film does have quieter moments, like when Ender learns to deal with his fellow space cadets. As with any coming-of-age story, there is a romantic interest present. However, you won't have to worry about covering your child's eyes, since that the relationship is very tame. The action sequences may be a good for fathers and sons, while the safe depiction of adolescent romance may be fitting for daughters in the audience.

The film is visually stunning, offering views of space and gorgeous battle simulations that Ender and his cohorts have to pass. For children who love strategy games, the simulation scenes may prove very interesting. But for those who prefer live-action, the scenes can quickly become repetitive and boring. Yet, for anyone who loves space, "Ender's Game" could be a must. What kid wouldn't want to see a film where the fate of the world lies on the shoulders of a child?

Is it popcorn worthy?
If you're alright with an action-packed film where the fate of the human race depends on a child, "Ender's Game" may be a good flick for you and your kid. The plot line is good enough to keep you interested and the special effects will provide enough eye candy to make up for the more boring bits. Of course it has the usual clichés associated with coming-of-age tales and science fiction novels, but they're not unbearable. Despite being marketed as a children's movie, don't expect to have many laughs.

The cast features some big celebrities, such as Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley and Viola Davis. Ford's character has a fair amount of screen time. Kingsley and Davis play more minor characters, leaving you wanting more.

If you're looking for more light-hearted fun, you're better off staying home and watching another children-friendly space movie. But if you want to indoctrinate your kid into the more serious side of science fiction, "Ender's Game" could be just what you're looking for.

A great dad himself, Armin speaks not only as a specialist in parenting, but as a parent himself.
Hailed by Time Magazine as "the superdad's superdad," Armin Brott has been building better fathers for more than a decade. As the author of six bestselling books on fatherhood, he's helped millions of men around the world become the fathers they want to be—and that their children need them to be.
He has written for The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, American Baby, Parenting, Child, Men's Health, The Washington Post, and dozens of other major publications and websites.
Armin has been a guest on hundreds of radio and television shows, including Today, CBS Overnight, Fox News, and Politically Incorrect, and his work on fatherhood has been featured in such places as Glamour, Time, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Newsday, and many others.
Armin is the host of "Positive Parenting," a weekly radio program which airs in the San Francisco Bay Area and a number of other markets. He also does the "DaddyCast" podcast. As a trusted spokesperson, Armin speaks on fatherhood around the country and teaches classes for expectant and new dads. Armin lives with his wife and three children in Oakland, California.

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